Pope Leo XIV used a visit to Lampedusa to urge Europe to protect and integrate migrants while supporting development in their countries of origin. His appeal came as Europe and the United States place growing emphasis on tougher border controls, detention and deportations.
News Mash
Washington canceled its Independence Day parade because of extreme heat but moved forward with America 250 flyovers, Trump remarks and a record-seeking fireworks show. Security was heightened as celebrations also unfolded in Times Square and Philadelphia.
President Donald Trump used a July Fourth anniversary speech at Mount Rushmore to warn of a “communist menace” and call for changes to voting laws. The event included a flyover, fireworks and praise for the four presidents carved into the monument.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York in a ceremony confirmed by Swift’s publicist and reportedly officiated by Adam Sandler. The event drew celebrities, fans, street closures and large displays reading “JUST&T MARRIED.”
Iran began days of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose coffin lay in state in Tehran alongside relatives killed in the Feb. 28 strike. Authorities expect millions to join processions in Iran and Iraq as officials and foreign delegations pay their respects.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to celebrate their marriage Friday at Madison Square Garden with about 1,000 guests. The event has brought street closures, barricades, covered entrances and a large police presence to the area.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked America’s 250th birthday with a City Hall speech celebrating immigrants, citizenship, and patriotism rooted in dissent, offering a contrast to President Trump’s planned Mount Rushmore address. Mamdani emphasized America’s identity as a nation shaped by immigrants and defended birthright citizenship amid ongoing debates over immigration policy.
Pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 5 a.m. for England’s World Cup knockout match against Mexico. Police chiefs criticised the late decision, warning it will strain staffing and could increase alcohol-related disorder.